New Year’s Eve Around New Zealand

Discovery |

By Vlad |

Europcar wishes you a Happy New Year!

Find out what’s on closest to you in New Zealand

Both the North and South Islands of New Zealand are gearing up for a big night out on December 31. Kiwis are planning to start 2014 off with a bang, as evident by the fantastic assortment of activities and festivals happening all over the country on New Year’s Eve. You might be craving chilled out dinner and drinks with your closest friends and family, or you might be eagerly anticipating dancing the night away instead. Whatever you’re in the mood for, New Zealand’s New Year’s Eve events can cater to your every desire!

North Island

As home to New Zealand’s largest urban cities, it’s no surprise that the North Island is fairly bursting with interesting and exciting activities to help you celebrate the New Year. Auckland’s Sky Tower fireworks are always hugely popular, so make sure you’re in prime position to watch the stunning display as the clock strikes midnight. If you’re in the mood to party, don’t miss the incredible Highlife NYE 2014 event on Waiheke Island, which features tons of DJs, dancers and other life performers. New Year’s Eve cruises, such as the Amada Cruises Sunset Groove Cruise, are another appealing option. Here, you can take in the stunning views of Auckland Harbour as you wine and dine to your heart’s content.

Spectacular views of the official countdown of the year!

At the bottom of the North Island, Wellington is holding its own by hosting a huge variety of dazzling parties and lively musical events. La De Da, an annual three-day music festival that always draws enormous crowds, is back this year with an amazing line-up, including Flume, Katchafire and Ladi6. The highly beloved San Francisco Bath House is being redeveloped (under very mysterious circumstances!) in 2014, and will be holding a fantastic musical event with The Phoenix Foundation and Bill E to kick off the New Year. Meanwhile, those who are fans of 007 will be delighted to discover Timeless, a glitzy and glamorous James Bond-themed party on Jervois Quay that will have you dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

South Island

South Islanders definitely know how to throw a party or two. Look no further than Queenstown, the city that’s going all out welcome in the new year. Head to Earnslaw Park for the free New Year’s Eve event, which features a fantastic line-up of entertainment, including live bands, dance DJs and, of course, a spectacular fireworks display. Even milling around Queenstown Central, you’ll find the numerous bars, pubs and clubs packed with revellers, many offering amazing New Year’s Eve drink and food specials. Queenstown isn’t New Zealand’s biggest party town for nothing!

Nelson is another wonderful New Year’s Eve destination, packed full of wonderful musical events. Check out Mt Eden’s hugely popular The Summer Is Gold Summer Tour, which happens to be playing in Nelson’s Riwaka Hotel on December 31. Salmonella Dub Sound System: Pohara NYE is another, fully licensed, event that is guaranteed to be an amazing night for fans of the electronica, dub, rock, and drum and bass music genres. Meanwhile, Dunedin will be a great New Year’s Eve destination for families looking for a fun and relaxed night. Live entertainment will start from 8pm in The Octagon, accompanied by a colourful fireworks show at midnight.

The great thing about New Zealand being such a small country is that it’s very easy to get around. This means that wherever you actually live, there’s bound to be a city near you with incredible New Year’s Eve parties and festivals that appeal to your tastes. So grab all your friends around and make sure you find out where all the best celebratory events are. Whatever you decide to do on the special night, Europcar wishes you a very Happy New Year!